Key Stage 5

Another outstanding performance for Tollbar A Level students

Tollbar MAT Sixth Form College students are today celebrating an exceptional pass rate for A Levels (99.6%), with 99% of students achieving the coveted national indicator of three or more A Levels at A*-E grades. This is a further increase on last year.

100% of the 93 Year 13 students achieved two or more A Levels at A*-E, and half of this year's entries resulted in grades A*-B, with 80% achieving A*-C grades.

These magnificent results mean that a high number of students will now take up places on prestigious Medical, Veterinary Medicine, Economics and Engineering courses at universities across the UK. At this time, 98 per cent of Tollbar students who applied (100%) have gained a place at their first or second choice university.

Stephen Moon, Principal of Tollbar Academy, said "I am extremely proud of the achievements of all the students as they have performed exceptionally well across all areas.

"A few examples are that in Biology 41% of students achieved grades A*/A (35% grade A*), in Graphics 66% and in Economics 42% achieved grades A*/A, in Business Studies 61% achieved grades A*/B and in English 55% achieved grades A*/B. These are just some of the results which will allow them to go on to realise their aspirations and fulfil their potential. They are a testament to the hard work and dedication of both students and staff."

David Hampson, Tollbar MAT Chief Executive, said: "This is another year of outstanding results. I am especially pleased with the number of students who have achieved A*/A grades this year at a time when A Levels have become even more difficult to achieve."

Jo Creese, Director of Tollbar MAT Sixth Form College said: "I am so very proud of our students. Everyone works tremendously hard throughout the two years of the A Level courses, which makes it so gratifying to see students achieve the grades that will gain them places at universities and change their lives."

Students celebrating A Level success today include twins, Emily and Thomas Ferriby-Gotts (both 18) who, when they leave for their respective universities in September, will be separated for the first time. Emily achieved Biology (A*), English (A), Chemistry (A) and will now study Biology at the University of York. Thomas achieved Graphics (A*), Maths (B) and Media B and will study Illustration at Sheffield Hallam University.

Emily said: "Apart from a short holiday Tom and I have not been separated before so it will be strange. We are both really pleased with our results. The support we have had at Tollbar to get to this position has been amazing. I was so nervous until this morning but this is just unbelievable."

Tom added: "This is just great. I am really happy with my results and I want to have a career in illustration so this is the first big step towards that."

Syrian refugee Antony Antypas (18) could speak only a few words of English when his family fled to Britain in 2012. Today he achieved four A Levels: Chemistry (A), Biology (A*) Arabic (A) and Maths (B). Along with fellow Tollbar student, Lauren Brown (18), who achieved Chemistry (A*), Biology (A*) and Maths (A), he will now attend Medical School.

Antony said: "When we came to England, I was determined that the war in Syria would not disadvantage me any further so I worked very hard to learn English and get me to where I am now. I had something to prove and I am so proud of myself today." Antony will take up his place at the University of Nottingham.

Lauren will now attend Hull York Medical School. She said: "I did well at AS level so I was hoping for good results. But my A* in Chemistry surprised me. I am over the moon today."

Molly Burdett (18) achieved outstanding results with, History (A*), English (A), and Art (A) and is proof that school attendance pays off, having never had a single day off school in 7 years. She will now study English at the University of York. "I had to resit my AS History last year so to get an A* now is just incredible. I am hoping to work in the theatre perhaps in the future, with a job behind the scenes, but we'll see."

Thomas Morley (18) has already started an apprenticeship at accountants Forrester Boyd. He chose the apprenticeship over a university place, but was astounded by his A Level grades. He achieved Economics (A*), Maths (A) and History (B).

"I want to be an accountant so the opportunity to start my career now with a local apprenticeship with the bonus of no university fees was just too good to pass up," he said. "I started at Forrester Boyd on Monday and I am already enjoying it."